“He will be severely displeased, Anomander Rake. His plans extend far beyond Darujhistan, seeking to reach the Malazan throne itself.”
Anomander Rake: Paran recalled Tattersail's convictions after scrying her Deck of Dragons. The Knight of High House Dark, the Son of Darkness, the lord with the black sword and its deadly chains.
Ruler of Moon's Spawn, or so she thought. She saw this coming. This very moment, the clash between Shadow and Dark, the blood spilled:
“I fight my own battles,” Rake growled. “And I'd rather deal with Laseen on the Malazan throne than with a servant of Shadow. Recall him.”
“One last point,” Shadowthrone said, a giggle escaping him, “I am not responsible for whatever actions the Rope might take against you.”
A smile entered Rake's tone. “Convince him of the wise course, Shadowthrone. I have no patience for your games. If I am pushed, by either you, your Hounds, or by the Rope, I'll make no distinction. I will assail the Shadow Realm, and you are invited to try to stop me.”
“You lack all subtlety,” the god said, sighing. “Very well.” He paused and shadows swirled around him. “He has been recalled. Forcibly extracted, as it were. The field is yours once again, Anomander Rake. The Malazan Empire is all yours, as is Oponn,” Shadowthrone added.
“Oponn?” Rake's head turned slowly, and the captain once again looked into eyes of deep, cold blue. Paran's spirits sank. The Tiste And?” s gaze fell to the sword, then again to Shadowthrone. “Begone,” Rake said. “The matter is ended.”
Shadowthrone dipped his head. “For now.” The god raised his hands and shadows gathered around him. The surviving Hounds closed in, leaving their dead kin where they lay. The shadows thickened, became opaque, entirely hiding those within. When they dispersed, the lord and Paran eyed the Tiste And? who now faced him. After a moment the Rake's brows rose. “That's it?” he asked. “That's the extent of your comments? Do I speak with Oponn directly? I thought it I sensed a presence before, but when I looked more carefully: nothing.” Rake shifted grip on his sword, the point rising. “Do you hide within, Oponn?”
“Not as far as I'm aware,” Paran replied. “Apparently Oponn saved my life or, rather, brought me back to life. I've no idea why, but I've been told that I've become Oponn's tool.”
“You are journeying to Darujhistan?”